Claiming the Biker (Royal Bastards MC: Charleston, WV 9)

“Knew them harlots were going to be a fucking pain in the ass,” Prez mutters.

“No shit.”

“This will take some damn maneuvering on our end. It’s not as simple as getting Karma out from under this. Shoulda kept a better eye on Mona and them bitches.”

“Hound’s claiming her.”

“He tell you that?”

“Not yet, but he will. Already got her in his bed. That’s not all I wanted to discuss. This shit with Masters. Motherfucker is clean. I gotta pull Andi off this.”

“Take it this has to do with the way you feel about her but also because of this mess Karma has herself in has you doing some reflecting.”

I nod. “Part of it. I love her and I put her in danger.”

“You know our code. You enforce it. Do you think she’s in danger?”

“Nah. That motherfucker is like a boy scout. She fed him some bullshit about how she’s saving herself for marriage. Gave her some bad information. Had her bait him with it. He didn’t bite.”

“Pull the plug. We gotta come at him from a different angle.”

“I’ll make some calls. Fill you in when I know more about this Sanchez.”

I finish up with Prez. Can’t wait to tell Andi she’s done. No more sneaking around. No more letting that prick sniff her neck. My girl is going to be on the back of my bike.

I find Hound and ask him to keep an eye on Karma. When she starts feeling cornered, she runs. Love my sister even though she’s a pain in my ass. Can’t risk her getting all cagey and pulling some stupid fucking stunt.

Tonight is the club’s Halloween party. Was hoping Andi would come but she’s had food poisoning or some shit. I’m headed by her place after I have a word with my sister.

Fitting that she’s dressed up like a damn devil.

“Listen, you’re my sister and I love you but let’s get this straight. You better not be playing fucking house with Hound. His ass is on the line for you and so is mine. It’s a real sensitive time for us.”

“I’m not stupid. I know this will cost you. Both of you.”

“Good. Keep your ass in line and we won’t have any problems.”

I’m almost to the door when Wylla Mae stops me. “Andi would kill me if she knew I said anything, but you need to step it up and get this deal with Justice done with.”

I bite my tongue. I know she’s coming at me because she loves her best friend but this ain’t her business or her place right now. “I’m working on it,” I growl.

“You know I only want her to be happy. I love her, and I hope that you’ll prove that you do too.”

I walk off before I say something that makes East come at me.

When I arrive at Andi’s I find her in the bathroom slumped over the toilet with Winston pacing around her feet.

“Go away,” she moans.

“I love her, and I hope that you’ll prove that you do too.”

Fuck me. My chest gets tight as Wylla Mae’s words repeat in my head.

I grab a wash cloth off the built-in shelf above the toilet and get it damp with cool water from the faucet.

“Go lay down,” I grumble at the dog.

“Can’t,” Andi moans in response.

“Not you, Winston.”

“Oh,” she replies and proceeds to retch into the bowl again. Her body shudders with the force at which she’s vomiting. I hate seeing her like this and knowing there’s nothing I can do to make it stop.

I gather her hair away from the back of her neck and place the cool cloth there while rubbing her lower back. I reach around her and flush the toilet.

“You shouldn’t be seeing this. It’s gross.”

“Nothing to see, princess. Let’s get you into bed.”

It’s a tight fit but I maneuver at an angle as I dip to scoop her up bridal style in my arms.

“I’m too heavy.”

“Hush. No more talking.” I lay her on her bed and pull the blanket up over her. “Here.” I hand the remote over from the nightstand.

The damn dog jumps up on the bed and start trying to lick at her face.

“Get down.” I grab the dog and pack him like a fucking football tucked under my arm to his crate in the guest room. She’s not going to be able to get any sleep with him in her face. Winston whines but I give him his favorite stuffie of a purple dinosaur and tuck his blanket around him. “Good boy.” I scratch him behind the ears and lock him in. Then I toss the other throw over the crate and return to Andi. Little fucker is spoiled fucking rotten. Wouldn’t put it past her to turn the other room into a little bedroom for him complete with a toddler bed and shit. Next thing I know she’ll be buying him clothes if she hasn’t already started.

She’s snuggled down deeper in the bed and curled on her side. I hang my cut on the exposed corner of the open closet door and empty my pockets out on her dresser before laying next to her, trying not to make her too hot.

“What’d you eat?”

“Fish sticks at work.”

“You need anything else? Some water? Crackers?”

She shakes her head and closes her eyes. “Will you stay?”

“Yeah, babe. I’m not going anywhere.”

I want to talk to her about this Justice shit, but it can wait till she’s feeling better. Her breathing evens out and I kiss her temple. “Love you, Andrea.”